The primary argument for covenant marriage is that it
may lower the divorce rate and result in stronger,
happier marriages. Couples may be better prepared for
marriage by being required to participate in premarital
counseling. Proponents of covenant marriage also argue
that the requirements of a long waiting period and
marital counseling in order to get a divorce may
increase couples' chances of working out their problems
and staying married. A study of married individuals
found that 60% of those who were "very unhappy" in the
late 1980's, but did not divorce, reported 5 years later
that their marriage was "quite happy" or "very happy."
Finally, supporters of covenant marriage argue that the
symbolism of a "covenant" and the requirements will
cause couples to take marriage more seriously and be
more committed to making their marriage last.

Source: Kim Leon, Ph.D., Former Human
Development and Family Studies, College of Human
Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia